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Highlights and main attractions of the Seychelles

Highlights and main attractions of the Seychelles

The 115 islands of the Seychelles sit like sparkling, delicate jewels in this protected tropical paradise in the western section of the Indian Ocean. Located just four degrees south of the equator and northeast of Madagascar, over 50% of the Seychelles is comprised of protected areas including National Parks and Nature Reserves, which also includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This creates a unique environment in which flora and fauna can flourish and an archipelago of unspoilt natural beauty for travellers to explore.

Remotely set approximately 1600 kilometres from mainland Africa and said to be home to the oldest granite islands in the world, the landscape and topography of the Seychelles islands is like no other. A mixture of coral and granite islands including popular La Digue and Praslin, under a third of these are inhabited, which means it is a truly well-preserved destination with vast areas of wilderness and an array of biodiversity on its islands. 

seychelles Quick Facts

1
History: Pirates used to use the Seychelles as a hideout.
2
Land: Almost half of the land mass is national parks or reserves.
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History: the first settlers arrived in the late 18th century.
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Did you know: Victoria, the capital, is the smallest capital in the world.
Bird Island, Indian Ocean

Mahe and wildlife

The main island of Mahe is just 17 miles long and 2 to 5 miles wide. Its capital city, Victoria, is small and charming, where hustle and bustle could not be more unfamiliar and the pace of life is enviable. The Seychellois are a mixture of French, Arabic, African and Indian descent and are friendly, easy-going and always delighted to share the beauty of their stunning islands with foreign visitors. Morne Seychellois National Park is located in Mahe’s mountainous interior, covers around 20% of the island’s land and has the nation’s highest peak at 905 metres; wrapped in dense vegetation, it can only be reached on hiking trails, but is an excellent active escape.

The Seychelles has also carved itself quite a reputation for eco-tourism due to its protection, and visits to some of the islands uncover a world of prolific birdlife, hawksbill turtles and castaway beaches. The crescent-shaped reserve of Aride Island is one highlight, where you can walk to the island summit to spot the 11 species of sea-bird, two of which have the world’s largest colony on the island. 

The protected Aldabra Islands (the world’s largest atoll) are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are home to 100,000 giant tortoises, turtles, migratory birds and frigate birds, and written permission is required to visit due to strict preservation guidelines.

Seychelles Accommodation Options

Excellent internal flights and boats between the islands make travel in the Seychelles convenient and accessible, and there is a varied range of accommodation from boutique lodges to luxury hotels on the various islands, as well as private island retreats and yachts. The easiest and quickest mode of transport between the islands, but also the most expensive, is by helicopter transfer, often included when visiting some of the more exclusive islands. Getting there is usually done through connecting flights through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Johannesburg, and Nairobi which makes it an ideal as add-on after and African safari or combined with neighbouring Mauritius. Our destination specialists can help you build that perfect holiday.

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